"Curb Your Enthusiasm" Lewis Needs a Kidney (2005)

User Rating:

8.6/10   

Director:

Robert B. Weide

Writers:

Larry David (creator)
Larry David (story)

TV Series:

"Curb Your Enthusiasm" (2000)

Original Air Date:

30 lokakuu 2005 (Season 5, Episode 5)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Larry learns that Richard Lewis is bedridden and needs a kidney transplant. Larry and Jeff both turn up as positive matches for Lewis, but neither one are willing to give up their precious organs that easily. |

Plot Keywords:

Grab Ass | Sexual Harassment | Consoling Hug | Kidney Donor | Eeny Meeny Miny Moe

Cast

Larry David	...	Himself
Cheryl Hines	...	Cheryl David
Jeff Garlin	...	Jeff Greene
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Timothy Brennen	...	Police Detective
Claudia Cohen	...	Woman in Line
Bob Einstein	...	Marty Funkhouser
Susie Essman	...	Susie Greene
Nicole Randall Johnson	...	Omar's Receptionist
Mindy Kaling	...	Richard Lewis's Assistant
Suzanne Kent	...	Nurse
Richard Lewis	...	Richard Lewis
Ian Michaels	...	Stoner #1
Mekhi Phifer	...	Omar Jones
Frank Whaley	...	Pete Hagen
Al Whiting	...	Orderly
Kelvin Han Yee	...	Newscaster

Quotes:

Larry David: The ass is part of my snuggle.

Eenie meenie miny moe

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

This installment of the 2005 season finds Larry with a dilemma. Richard Lewis, one of his best friends, needs to have a kidney transplant. A haggard looking Lewis tells Larry about his luck running out because the need of a donor. Larry suggests to try searching within his own family as he feels there will be someone compatible. Larry never ventures to offer to help.

Larry, who finds himself locked out of his car, calls Jeff to come help him. He is near a fast food place; feeling hungry he decides to order something to wait for his ride. The dining area is closed, but the drive-through window is open. He decides to stand behind the last car, but when his turn comes, he is refused service. In order to be able to place an order, he must be in a car; he will not be served otherwise. As he asks drivers waiting their turns, everyone turns him down except Pete, a young guy who is happy to help out.

When Larry contacts Omar's office, the receptionist asks him to elaborate what is the nature of his call, he tells her is personal, something that is questioned. The two end up shouting to each other. His call to Richard's office goes badly as well. He tells Lewis' assistant he is calling regarding the kidney donation. The secretary, not having a clue her boss needs the operation break up, inconsolably.

Larry convinces Jeff to take the test to see if anyone of them could help their friend. They are told both have their friend's blood type and are candidates. Larry starts doubts about donating his kidney. Marty Funkhouser intervenes by offering to do an 'eenie meenie miny moe' riddle with them. Larry, who is the last to be named, believes Jeff is the one that has been selected to donate his kidney, but both Marty and his manager tell him he really lost.

This episode rises the moral question about what would one do to help a friend. In theory it is a noble cause, but the mere idea of losing an organ to give it to a friend takes its toll on anyone facing that situation. Larry also offers a take on the receptionists that are so annoying by insisting they are to be told personal things the callers don't want to share with them.

Director Robert B. Weide's timing is perfect as usual. Frank Whaley, an actor that deserves to be seen more often shows up as Pete, the man that hides a criminal secret, but who comes to help a stranger in need. The regulars do their usual best to make this an episode that both, makes us think, and laugh.